22 Nov 2017

Forum Observer team congratulates Tongan election staff

3:32 pm on 22 November 2017

The Pacific Island Forum's Observer Team to Tonga has congratulated election officials for their professional conduct during last week's snap election.

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Photo: 123RF

Wilson Waguk from the Embassy of the Federated States of Micronesia to Fiji, led the team, which observed the opening polling and counting on the islands of 'Eua and Tongatapu.

The build up to the election was also observed and has campaigning has been described as robust and energetic but orderly.

The team said the election in general was efficiently and effectively conducted with voters free to cast their votes without intimidation or coercion.

Mr Waguk said even though the Commission had a shorter time to prepare due to the snap elections, they still managed to deliver a free and credible election.

He said there were some minor procedural issues however he didn't believe they were deliberate or affected the results.

The election was triggered by the August dissolution of Parliament by King Tupou VI.

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